Game for computer and slot machine

ABSTRACT

A game which can be played on a screen of a slot machine or computer, wherein the game comprises at least one row of symbols, numbers or the like which are displayed on said screen such that the row/s collectively form a predetermined geometric shape; wherein the rows include at least one row having at least two symbols, numbers or the like and at least one other row having at least one symbol or number; wherein each said rows are capable of spinning horizontally or vertically; wherein said rows initially spin simultaneously then stop spinning in succession.

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present invention relates to slot machine games and more particularly relates to a game using a tiered array of symbols which spin initially concurrently then stop in succession. More particularly the present invention comprises a computer or slot machine game in which a screen display comprises an array of reels which are assembled so as to present as a geometric cubic shape.

PRIOR ART

[0002] The electronic game industry has been expanding at a rapid rate due in particular to the rapid expansion of the internet and the ease of access that provides. This has spawned a growing demand for games for pure entertainment or for gaming as a result of which there has been a wide variety of games produced. The challenge in the electronic game industry is to create games which are novel, will satisfy the community thirst for entertainment and provide the requisite level of intellectual stimulation, bet returns and consumer interest. To attract consumers to play computer and slot games, game creators have incorporated rewards, bonuses and the like into the games. Bonuses and rewards may be awarded in a variety of ways such as but not limited to choosing symbols and betting on combinations.

INVENTION

[0003] The present invention provides an alternative slot machine and computer game providing a player with a wide variety of options within the one game.

[0004] In one broad form the present invention comprises

[0005] a game which can be played on a screen of a slot machine or computer, wherein the game comprises at least one row of symbols, numbers or the like which are displayed on said screen such that the row/s collectively form a predetermined geometric shape; wherein the rows include at least one row having at least two symbols, numbers or the like and at least one other row having at least one symbol or number; wherein each said rows are capable of spinning horizontally or vertically; wherein said rows initially spin simultaneously then stop spin in succession.

[0006] Preferably, the rows spin in succession from a top row to a bottom row or from a bottom row to a top row such that the rows form spinning reels.

[0007] The player may achieve an array of symbols or numbers which are of a kind when said reels spin. Preferably, there are at least three rows forming at least three reels which spin horizontally wherein said reels formed by said rows collectively form a pyramid.

[0008] The numbers or symbols prior to spinning appear on one face of the pyramid. When said reels are not spinning, they are in two dimensions and when they start to spin they change from two to three dimensions. When the reels stop spinning they change from three dimensions back to two dimensions. The screen display further comprises balance, win and bet buttons.

[0009] In another broad form the present invention comprises:

[0010] a game for display on a screen of a slot machine or computer; wherein the game includes a display including a plurality of rows which collectively form a generally pyramidal structure where said pyramidal structure includes at least a first row having at least one symbol or number, a second row adjacent said first row having a greater number of symbols or numbers than said first row and a third row having a greater number of symbols than said second row; wherein each said rows spin initially simultaneously at the commencement of said game and then progressively stop in succession row by row; wherein the player attempts to match symbols from one row to like symbols of another row. According to one embodiment a player seeks to achieve a symbol or number match of up to ten of a kind. Preferably, the pyramid has three or four faces each of which faces include said rows of symbols or numbers.

[0011] In another broad form the present invention comprises:

[0012] a game for display on a sew of a slot machine or computer; the game including a generally pyramidal display collectively formed by a plurality of rows each including at least one symbol, number or the like; wherein each said rows are capable of spinning; wherein said rows initially spin simultaneously then stop spinning in succession; wherein the player attempts to match symbols of the same kind from each row.

[0013] According to one embodiment the game pyramid has three or four faces each of which faces include said rows of symbols or numbers.

[0014] The game pyramid is arranged such that a player may elect to play one or more of the faces of the pyramid wherein each face represents an independent game and the pyramid may flip to the next face at the option of the player.

[0015] In another broad form according to a method aspect, the present invention comprises; a method of playing a game which can be played on a screen of a slot machine or computer, wherein the method comprises the steps of

[0016] a) providing at least one row which is/are displayed on said screen such that the row/s form a predetermined cubic geometric shape, each said rows incorporating at least one said rows having at least two symbols, numbers or the like;

[0017] b) providing at least one other row having one symbol or number,

[0018] c) allowing each said rows to spin horizontally;

[0019] d) allowing each said rows to initially spin simultaneously then stop spinning in succession from a top row to a bottom row or from a bottom row to a top row.

[0020] At least one of said symbols or numbers on said geometric shape represent an independent reel; wherein the player may achieve an array of symbols or numbers which are of a kind when said reels spin.

[0021] Preferably, there are at least tree rows forming three reels wherein said reels formed by said rows form a pyramid.

[0022] According to another embodiment, there are provided four rows wherein one said rows includes n symbols and the remaining three rows have n-1, n-2, n-3 symbols.

[0023] In another broad form of the method aspect the present invention comprises:

[0024] a method of playing a game which can be played on a screen of a slot machine or computer, wherein the method comprises the steps of;

[0025] a) providing rows of symbols which are displayed on said screen such that they form a predetermined cubic geometric shape incorporating a plurality of horizontal rows including at least one row haying at least two symbols, numb or the like;

[0026] b) providing at least one other row having at least one symbol or number, wherein each said rows are capable of spinning horizontally;

[0027] c) allowing said rows to initially spin simultaneously then stop spinning in succession from a top row to a bottom row or from a bottom row to a top row.

[0028] d) allowing a player to play said game to achieve an array of symbols or numbers which are of a kind when said rows spin.

[0029] In another broad form of the method aspect, the present invention comprises:

[0030] a method of playing a slot machine or computer game which includes a pyramid structure comprising rows of symbols the method comprising the steps of;

[0031] a) selecting at least one face of a display pyramid having a plurality of rows of symbols wherein an upper row has more symbols than a lower row:

[0032] b) making a wager on the outcome of selection of predetermined symbols occurring on a face of said pyramid.

[0033] According to one embodiment the method further comprises the step of electing to play 1 to n faces of the pyramid where n is the maximum number of faces of the pyramid selected by the player.

[0034] In another broad form the present invention comprises:

[0035] a game for playing on an electronic device such as a slot machine, computer or the like: the game comprising rows of symbols or numbers disposed in a plurality of parallel and/or intersecting rows; wherein each symbol or number or row of symbols or numbers is capable during the course of playing the game of undergoing a temporary transformation or displacement from a start position along or within a predetermined plane: wherein each symbol and/or row represents an independent reel and wherein the object of the game requires a player to achieve on a second and any subsequent screen displays, like symbols or numbers in any row or in predetermined positions in said rows. Preferably, the screen display comprises rows of numbers and/or symbols disposed in a triangular pyramid which initially appears in two dimensions, wherein when the game is in operation, each symbol and/or number in each row undergoes transformation or displacement whereupon an initial array of symbols or numbers are randomly altered from the initial display responsive to a play command from a player.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The present invention will now be described in more detail according to preferred but non limiting embodiment and with reference to the accompanying illustrations wherein:

[0037]FIG. 1 shows an elevation view of a game pyramid according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown a pyramid face 1 which comprises four rows 2, 3, 4 and 5. On each row there are game symbols which appear randomly such that a player may achieve matched symbols in one or more rows. Any symbols or numbers may be used on each row. A player has the possibility of achieving 10 of a kind if all symbols on one face of the pyramid are matched. The pyramid may be two dimensional or comprise two, three or four faces. The player may elect to play each face in sequence flipping from one to four or more faces wherein each face represents an independent game.

[0039] The player may play one to n games in sequence wherein the pyramid rotation would continue until all n games have been played. Although FIG. 1 shows a pyramid having four rows, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a pyramid of potentially any number of rows and symbols could be used employed in the game. Preferably the pyramid would have between 4-20 rows with the object of the game to match as many symbols as there are symbols available on one face.

[0040] In addition to use on slot machines the game may be adapted to computers for play via the internet or for individual play.

[0041] The primary object of the game is to match symbols on the display following a play with a pay table. Following a play, the player receives on the display a random fall of numbers or symbols which pay according to the pay table. According to one embodiment, the initial screen which is displayed to the player comprises a two dimensional array of symbols and/or numbers arranged in rows which include horizontal and inclined rows. The payout table may be based on a result which allows predetermined symbols and/or numbers to be displayed in any position on the face of the pyramid and in any row. According to one embodiment when a play is executed the rows pin in unison about a vertical axis following which the rows stop spinning sequentially from a top row to a bottom row. In an alternative embodiment the transformation of the face of the pyramid may be a morphing transition from one state to another. Traditionally, symbol displays in slot machines have appeared in horizontal rows spinning in adjacent vertical planes. According to the invention, the display may initially appear in two dimensions following which a morphing transition reveals three dimensional components bearing the symbols and/or numbers. The rows may rotate in planes at an angle to the horizontal or in horizontal planes or the individual symbols or the symbols may pop out and return.

[0042] The number of symbols or numbers on the display will determine the statistical outcome of the game and the number of like symbols or numbers of the same kind will determine the payout. Preferably the outcome of a game is entirely random.

[0043] According to an alternative embodiment the typical game may have an additional feature whereby a predetermined event during the initial play will trigger a second game state and possibly a number of subsequent game states in which the player can gain bonus rewards by clicking on an icon or performing a predetermined activity until a trigger event cancels the second and subsequent games states and returns the player to the forst game state. When a second game state is triggered, the screen display will change to a new image or form of presentation and generally undergoes a physical transformation. The game may be adapted as a skills game for one or multiple players at the same or remote lotions.

[0044] It will be recognized by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the invention as broadly described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

The claims defining the invention are as follows: 1 A game which can be played on a screen of a slot machine or computer, wherein the game comprises at least one row of symbols, numbers or the like which are displayed on said screen such that the row/s collectively form a predetermined geometric shape; wherein the rows include at least one row having at least two symbols, numbers or the like and at least one other row having at least one symbol or number; wherein each said rows are capable of spinning horizontally or vertically, wherein said rows initially spin simultaneously then stop spinning in succession. 2 A game according to claim 1 wherein said rows spin in succession from a top row to a bottom row or from a bottom row to a top row. 3 A game according to claim 1 wherein each row represents a spinning reel. 4 A game according to claim 3 wherein the player may achieve an array of symbols or numbers which are of a kind when said reels spin. 5 A game according to claim 4 wherein there are at least three rows forming at least three reels which spin horizontally. 6 A game according to claim 5 wherein said reels formed by said rows collectively form a pyramid. 7 A game according to claim 6 where said numbers or symbols prior to spinning appear on one face of the pyramid. 8 A game according to claim 7 wherein when said reels are not spinning, they are in two dimensions and when they start to spin they change from two to three dimensions. 9 A game according to claim 8 wherein when said reels stop spinning they change from three dimensions back to so dimensions. 10 A game according to claim 9 wherein the screen display further comes balance, win and bet buttons. 11 A game for display on a screen of a slot machine or computer; wherein the game includes a display including a plurality of rows which collectively form a generally pyramidal structure wherein said pyramidal structure includes at least a first row having at least one symbol or number, a second row adjacent said first row having a greater number of symbols or numbers than said first row and a third row having a greater number of symbols than said second row, wherein each said rows spin initially simultaneously at the commencement of said game and then progressively stop in succession row by row, wherein the player attempts to match symbols from one row to symbols of another row. 12 A game according to claim 11 wherein the player seeks to achieve a symbol or number match of up to ten of a kind. 13 A game according to claim 12 wherein said rows spin horizontally. A game according to claim 14 wherein said numbers or symbols prior to appear on one face of the pyramid. 14 A game according to claim 13 wherein each said row is a spinning reel. 15 A game according to claim 14 wherein when said reels are not spinning they are in two dimensions and when they start to spin they change from two to three dimensions. 16 A game according to claim 15 wherein when said reels stop spinning they change from three dimensions back to two dimension. 17 A game according to claim 16 wherein the pyramid has three or four faces each of which faces include said rows of symbols or numbers. 18 A game for display on a screen of a slot machine or computer, the game including a generally pyramidal display collectively formed by a plurality of rows each including at least one symbol, member or the like; wherein each said rows are capable of spinning; wherein said rows initially spin simultaneously then stop spinning in succession; wherein the player attempts to match symbols of the same kind from each row. 19 A game according to claim 14 wherein said numbers or symbols prior to spinning appear on one face of the pyramid. 20 A game according to claim 19 wherein each said row is a spinning reel. 21 A game according to claim 20 where when said reels are not spinning they are in two dimensions and when they start to spin they change from two to three dimensions. 22 A game according to claim 21 wherein when said reels stop spinning they change three dimensions back to two dimensions. 23 A game according to claim 22 wherein the pyramid has three or four faces each of which faces include said rows of symbols or numbers. 24 A game according to claim 23 wherein said pyramid is arranged such that a player may elect to play one or more of the faces of the pyramid wherein each face represent an independent game and the pyramid may flip to the next face at the option of the player. 25 A method of playing a game which can be played on a screen of a slot machine or computer, wherein the method comprises the steps of a) providing at least one row which is/are displayed on said screen such that they form a predetermined cubic geometric shape incorporating at least one said rows having at least two symbols, numbers or the like; b) providing at least one other row having one symbol or number; c) allowing each said rows to spin horizontally; d) allowing each said rows to initially spin simultaneously toe stop spinning in succession from a top row to a bottom row or from a bottom row to a top row. 26 A method according to claim 25 wherein each row is a reel. 27 A method according to claim 26 wherein at least one of said symbols or numbers said geometric shape represent an independent reel; wherein the player may achieve an array of symbols or numbers which are of a kind when said reels spin. 28 A method according to claim 27 wherein there are at least three rows forming three reels. 29 A method according to claim 28 wherein said reels formed by said rows form a pyramid. 30 A method according to claim 29 wherein said numbers or symbols appear on at least one fare of the pyramid. 31 A method according to claim 30 wherein when said reels are not spinning they are on two dimensions sad when they start to spin they change from two to three dimensions. 32 A method according to claim 31 wherein when said reels stop spinning they change from three dimensions back to two dimensions. 33 A method according to claim 32 comprising the further step of providing balance, win and bet buttons. 34 A method according to claim 25 or 33 wherein there are provided four rows wherein one said rows includes n symbols and the remaining three rows have n-1, n-2, n-3 symbols. 35 A method according to claim 34 wherein each symbol is contained in or on a pyramid. 36 A method of playing a game which can be played on a screen of a slot machine or computer, wherein the method comprises the steps of; a) providing rows of symbols which are displayed on said screen such that they form a predetermined cubic geometric shape incorporating a plurality of horizontal rows including at least one row having at least two symbols, numbers or the like; b) providing at least one other row having one symbol or number, wherein each said rows are capable of spinning horizontally; c) allowing said rows to initially spin simultaneously then stop spinning in succession from a top row to a bottom row or from a bottom row to a top row. d) allowing a player to play said game to achieve an array of symbols or numbers which are of a kind when said rows spin. 37 A method according to claim 36 wherein each row forms a reel. 38 A method according to claim 37 wherein at least one of said symbols or numbers on said geometric shape represent an independent reel; wherein there are at least three rows forming three reels. 39 A game according to claim 38 wherein said reels formed by said rows form a pyramid. 40 A game according to claim 39 wherein said numbers or symbols appear on one faces of the pyramid. 41 A game according to claim 40 wherein when said reels arm not spring they are in two dimensions and when they start to spin they change from two to three dimensions. 42 A game according to claim 40 wherein when said reels stop sprig they change from three dimensions back to two dimensions. 43 A game according to claim 42 wherein the screen display further comprises balance, win and bet buttons. 44 A method of playing a slot machine or computer game which includes a pyramid structure comprising rows of symbols, the method comprising the steps of; a) selecting at least one face of a display pyramid having a plurality of rows of symbols wherein an upper row has more symbols than a lower row; b) making a wager on the outcome of selection of predetermined symbols occurring on a face of said pyramid. 45 A method according to clam 44 wherein a player can elect to play 1 to n faces of the pyramid wherein n is the maximum number of faces of the pyramid selected by the player. 46 A game for playing on an electronic device such as a slot machine, computer or the like: the game comprising rows of symbols or numbers disposed in a plurality of parallel and/or intersecting rows; wherein each symbol or number or row of symbols or numbers is capable during the course of playing the game of undergoing a temporary transformation or displacement from a start position along or within a predetermined plane: wherein each symbol and/or row represents an independent reel and wherein the object of the game requires a player to achieve on a second and any subsequent screen displays, like symbols or numbers in any row or in predetermined positions in said rows. 47 A game according to claim 41 wherein, said screen display comprises rows of numbers and/or symbols disposed in a triangular pyramid which initially appears in two dimensions, wherein when the game is in operation, each symbol and/or number in each row undergoes transformation or displacement whereupon an initial array of symbols or numbers are randomly altered form the initial display responsive to a play command from a player. 